Pin it
This pepperoni pizza pinwheels recipe transforms classic pizza flavors into fun, portable spirals perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners. The combination of savory pepperoni, gooey cheese, and homemade pizza sauce wrapped in soft pizza dough creates irresistible bites that disappear quickly from any table.
I first made these pinwheels for my nephew's birthday party where they vanished within minutes. Now they're requested at every family gathering and have become my go to contribution for potlucks where I never bring home leftovers.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Store bought saves time but homemade adds extra flavor and texture
- Marinara sauce: The base for our simple pizza sauce with perfect Italian seasonings
- Onion powder: Adds savory depth without the crunch of fresh onions
- Dried herbs: The classic pizza flavor profile comes from this blend
- Mozzarella: Choose freshly grated for better melting and flavor than pre shredded
- Parmesan: Adds sharp saltiness that balances the dish perfectly
- Pepperoni: The star ingredient providing that classic pizza flavor punch
- Green peppers: Adds freshness and slight crunch to counter the rich cheese and meat
- Parchment paper: Essential for easy rolling and clean baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Surface:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The parchment creates a barrier that helps the pinwheels brown evenly on the bottom.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Lay out a sheet of parchment paper and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Roll the pizza dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle keeping the thickness as even as possible. Work gently to avoid tearing the dough while ensuring it's thin enough to roll properly.
- Create the Pizza Sauce:
- Combine marinara sauce with the herbs and seasonings in a bowl and whisk until fully incorporated. This enhances the flavor beyond basic marinara creating a sauce with perfect pizza flavor notes. The dried herbs rehydrate slightly in the sauce releasing more flavor.
- Apply the Sauce and Toppings:
- Spread 3/4 cup of your pizza sauce evenly over the dough leaving a 1 inch border along one long edge—this clean edge will help seal the roll. Microwave the pepperoni briefly on paper towels to remove excess grease which prevents soggy pinwheels. Layer on the mozzarella, pepperoni, green peppers, and finish with Parmesan creating flavor in every bite.
- Roll and Slice:
- Starting from the long edge without the border, tightly roll the dough toward the clean edge forming a log shape. Press the seam firmly to seal it preventing unraveling during baking. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces cutting with a gentle sawing motion to avoid squishing the roll.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Arrange the pinwheels cut side up on your prepared baking sheet leaving space between each one for expansion. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown and feels firm to touch. Let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this brief cooling period helps set the structure.
Pin it
The homemade pizza sauce truly elevates these pinwheels beyond a basic recipe. My grandmother taught me to add that tiny pinch of crushed red pepper which doesn’t make them spicy but rather enhances all the other flavors. Every time I make these I think of her kitchen and how she believed food should always be fun.
Make Ahead Options
These pinwheels work beautifully as a make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This actually allows the flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious result. Alternatively, prepare and bake them completely then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
Creative Variations
Transform these pinwheels by switching up the fillings based on your favorite pizza combinations. Try a Hawaiian version with diced ham and pineapple or go vegetarian with olives, mushrooms, and bell peppers. For a supreme version, add Italian sausage, black olives, and mushrooms. Buffalo chicken pinwheels made with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with blue cheese crumbles creates a spicy alternative. The possibilities are endless—just be careful not to overfill or the pinwheels may burst during baking.
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pinwheels with additional warmed pizza sauce on the side for dipping, which adds moisture and enhances the pizza experience. A simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette makes a perfect accompaniment, balancing the richness of the pinwheels. For a complete party spread, pair them with garlic knots and a vegetable platter. They make excellent appetizers when made smaller by cutting the roll into 16 pieces instead of 12, creating two-bite portions ideal for mingling guests.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your pinwheels unravel during baking, you likely didn’t seal the edge properly or rolled too loosely. Use a bit of water on your fingertip to help seal the dough edge before rolling. For pinwheels that brown too quickly on top but remain doughy inside, lower your oven temperature to 350°F and extend baking time by 5–10 minutes. If your filling leaks out during baking, you may have overfilled or spread the sauce too close to the edges. Remember that room temperature dough is easier to work with than cold dough straight from the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated?
Yes! The recipe specifically mentions you can use either a 13 oz. package of refrigerated pizza dough or homemade pizza dough prepared through step 4 of a standard dough recipe. Homemade dough will give you a more authentic flavor but requires additional preparation time.
- → Why do I need to microwave the pepperoni first?
Microwaving the pepperoni for 20 seconds on a paper towel-lined plate allows you to remove excess grease before adding it to the pinwheels. This prevents the finished pinwheels from becoming soggy and helps them bake more evenly.
- → Can I substitute different vegetables or toppings?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for green peppers, it specifically mentions you can use a combination of your favorite chopped toppings. Consider options like mushrooms, olives, onions, or ham depending on your preferences.
- → What's the best way to slice the pinwheels evenly?
The recipe suggests a helpful technique: first slice the roll in half, then slice each half in half again to create 4 equal sections. Then cut each of these sections into 3 pinwheels, giving you 12 evenly-sized pieces. Using a serrated knife makes the cutting process cleaner.
- → How should I store and reheat leftover pinwheels?
For short-term storage, keep leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, allow baked pinwheels to cool completely, then store in a sealable plastic bag. When ready to eat, thaw the pinwheels and reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- → Why do the pinwheels need to rest for 5 minutes after baking?
The 5-minute rest period allows the pinwheels to firm up slightly. As the recipe notes, they'll be soft immediately after baking but will set as they cool. This brief cooling time makes them easier to handle and improves their texture.